Idaho Farm Bureau hires natural resources specialist

Published:September 9, 2013 4:24PM

Last changed:September 9, 2013 4:25PM

Idaho Farm Bureau has hired Bob Geddes as natural resources specialist. He grew up on a farm, has a BS in geology, worked as an environmental engineer for Monsanto and served in the state Legislature for 15 years.

POCATELLO, Idaho — The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation has hired Bob Geddes to work as its energy and natural resources specialist.

From 1995 until 2010, Geddes served as a state senator representing District 31 and in early 2011 was appointed chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission by Idaho Gov. Butch Otter.

IFBF Governmental Affairs Director Russ Hendricks said Geddes will bring immediate knowledge, experience and expertise to the Farm Bureau team, particularly in the areas of natural resources and environmental regulations.

“Bob knows and has worked with a lot of people around the state. He will be a great asset to the farmers and ranchers of Idaho and our members,” Hendricks said

Geddes was born in Preston and spent the bulk of his career working as an environmental engineer for Monsanto in the Soda Springs area.

He grew up on a wheat and barley farm in Franklin County and graduated from Preston High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Utah State University in 1981.

Geddes was appointed to represent the voters of District 31 by Gov. Phil Batt in 1995. His father, Robert C. Geddes was a state representative in the same district for 24 years.

In 1998, Geddes was selected as majority caucus chairman in the Idaho Senate and held that position until 2000. He was elected by his peers as president pro tempore of the Idaho Senate in 2000 and served in that position until 2010, the longest any senator has ever held the position.